You've done it! That's the message from fundraisers at the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign after Oxford Mail readers raised a staggering £2.5m.

With the hospital's January opening just months away, fundraisers announced yesterday that the local community had reached its original target towards the £15m needed.

Together with corporate sponsors and major donors, £12.6m has been raised to date - but there is still £2.4m left to go.

Community groups are being asked to keep their fundraising efforts going until the end of 2007.

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising, said: "We have been amazed at how creative, energetic and thoughtful people have been about raising money for the campaign.

"This includes sponsored abseils, walking the Great Wall of China, golf days, collection tins and marathons.

"We are really grateful and would ask people not to stop giving now that we have reached this impressive milestone."

Adam Shaw, seven, from Northampton, has a complex heart condition, and visited children's outpatients at the John Radcliffe Hospital yesterday for a check-up.

His mother Clare, 43, said: "Adam has a pacemaker fitted and has needed regular trips to the JR.

"The staff provide excellent care but it will be even better when the children can be treated in a hospital that is designed just for them.

"Adam had a major operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, so we know how welcoming a specialist children's hospital can be."

Mr Brogden said Chox's community committee was thrilled to have reached the target, and was working hard to encourage people to deliver outstanding pledges amounting to £700,000.

Shamus Donald, managing director of Oxford Mail publishers Newsquest Oxfordshire, who is chairman of the committee, said: "The support the community fundraising team has received from the people of Oxfordshire has been overwhelming. We can't praise them or thank them enough."

Mr Brogden added that the fundraising team was urging everyone to make a donation in the run-up to Christmas.

He added: "You can help by buying Chox Christmas cards, buying tickets for various Christmas concerts or by holding a coffee morning or a cake sale.

"We also welcome volunteers for a variety of tasks, from assisting at events to stuffing envelopes."